1917 United States $1 Legal Tender Sawhorse Banknote
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1917
This 1917 United States $1 Legal Tender note, often referred to as the Sawhorse note, is a prominent example of early 20th-century large-format currency produced by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing.
The obverse features a central portrait of George Washington, flanked by a large red seal on the left and an engraved vignette depicting Christopher Columbus and his crew sighting land. Red serial numbers appear in two locations on the note. The reverse is characterized by a distinctive, elaborate engraving of a large letter "X" centered within the design, which contains the text "United States of America" surrounded by complex geometric patterns and scrollwork.
This specific issuance represents the final use of this reverse design in U.S. currency. Measuring 187mm by 79mm, the note is certified and housed in a PMG protective holder, which measures 8.25 inches by 5 inches. This historical banknote features intricate engraving details designed during an era when such complexity was employed to effectively deter counterfeiting, maintaining its original paper integrity.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Dimensions
- 187mm x 79mm
- Holder dimensions
- 8.25"L x 5"H
Technical characteristics
- Denomination
- $1
- Certification
- PMG Very Fine 30 EPQ
- Serial number
- N65690719A
Design
- Obverse
- Portrait of George Washington, red seal, vignette of Christopher Columbus sighting land
- Reverse
- Large 'X' motif with 'United States of America' text and intricate scrollwork
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
- Maker named in listing
- Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Documentation checklist
- Denomination
- Research required
- Issue or mint date
- Recorded
- Material
- Research required
- Weight
- Research required
- Mint or printer
- Research required
- Mint or printer mark
- Research required
- Catalogue reference
- Research required
- Attached photograph (check rights)
- Recorded
Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.